The WhatsApp Android chat layout could soon look different as the company tests a redesigned chat bar. The feature was spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.41.11 and introduces changes to the text input field and send button. However, the redesign remains under development and is not yet available to beta testers.
What Is Changing in the WhatsApp Android Chat Layout
The main change involves the placement of the text box and send button. The text input field will move to the top of the chat bar, above the emoji button. The send button will also become part of the chat bar instead of remaining outside it, while retaining its familiar circular design.
Two Design Options Under Development
WhatsApp is reportedly testing two versions of the redesigned chat bar. In the first design, the emoji button stays on the right, while the attachment and camera buttons sit on the left, alongside the send button. In the second design, the emoji, attachment, and camera buttons are grouped on the left, leaving the send button on the far right. Both layouts aim to give the conversation screen a cleaner appearance, although WhatsApp has not confirmed which design it will choose.
Not Yet Available to Beta Testers
The redesigned chat bar remains under development, and WhatsApp has not enabled it for beta testers. The company may make further changes before a wider release, and there is no confirmed public launch date. As with other experimental features, the final design could differ from the versions currently being tested.
Part of a Wider Android Redesign
The chat bar is part of WhatsApp’s broader work on its Android interface. The company has also been experimenting with changes to the bottom navigation bar, including adjustments to how the selected tab is highlighted. WhatsApp is also introducing scheduled messages for some Android beta users, allowing them to choose when a message should be sent. This is a separate feature from the chat bar redesign, but it adds to the messaging improvements being explored for Android.
Why the WhatsApp Android Chat Layout Redesign Matters
The chat bar is one of the most frequently used parts of WhatsApp. Changing the placement of its controls could make the messaging interface feel more organized and alter how users interact with the text box, emoji button, attachments, camera, and send button. For now, WhatsApp has not confirmed which layout will reach users or when the redesigned chat bar will be released. Android users will have to wait for further updates as development continues.
